derrame cerebral
/deˌrame θeɾeˈbɾal/
The English phrase "brain stroke" is translated into Spanish as derrame cerebral.
A brain stroke is a medical emergency occurring when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted.
What does it mean word for word?
The term derrame cerebral literally translates to "cerebral spill" or "cerebral leak".
Which one should you use?
While derrame cerebral is a common way to refer to a stroke, accidente cerebrovascular is the formal medical term. Additionally, ictus is used as a synonym for stroke in many medical contexts and certain regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Derrame cerebral is a term used particularly in Latin America.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˌrame θeɾeˈbɾal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using infarto cerebral to refer to any general stroke. In Spanish, infarto specifically refers to an ischemic stroke caused by a blockage, while derrame often implies a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a bleed.
Did you know?
- The term ictus is borrowed directly from Latin, where it means 'a blow' or 'a hit'. This describes the sudden, violent nature of a stroke rather than the internal bleeding implied by derrame.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people may use the word derrame alone without cerebral when the context is clear. However, derrame can also refer to a spill of any liquid or even a financial outflow.
- In many Latin American countries, you will hear people use derrame to describe the event, whereas in Spain, the term ictus is much more prevalent in news and hospitals.
Examples in context
- A mi abuelo se le diagnosticó un accidente cerebrovascular.My grandfather was diagnosed with a brain stroke.
- El derrame cerebral es una emergencia médica.A brain stroke is a medical emergency.
- Él sufrió un derrame cerebral el año pasado.He suffered a brain stroke last year.
- Debemos actuar rápido ante un derrame cerebral.We must act fast in the event of a brain stroke.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a family member's health.
- MaríaMateo, ¿sabes qué le pasó a mi tío?Mateo, do you know what happened to my uncle?
- MateoSí, me dijeron que sufrió un derrame cerebral.Yes, they told me he suffered a brain stroke.
- MaríaEspero que se recupere pronto en el hospital.I hope he recovers soon in the hospital.
- MateoYo también, María. Estará en buenas manos.I do too, María. He will be in good hands.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry derrame cerebral, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
